Week 2 DAY 5 and 6
Today AND Tomorrow
We will:
- LOOK at Esther Chapter 8:15-17.
- LEARN ‘how‘ to incorporate GODcha’s tools along the way.
- LISTEN to God speak to us as we focus on GODcha’s LEARN/LIVE question –
Open GODcha to the Book of Esther
You Can Open GODcha and GODchats together
NOTE:
If you don’t have GODcha Get It>
Or, use your hardbound Bibles and follow along.
You can print off this week’s posts and put them in a notebook!
Do you remember. . .
Why Was Esther Written? 
To Find the Purpose of Esther
Scan the Overview in GODcha to refresh your memory!
Let’s Begin With Prayer
And Continue With an Attitude of Prayer
Perhaps. . .
Oh Lord, thank you for loving us. Thank you for loving us so much that You give us what we need, Your Holy Word, that reveals Your heart and ways, and reveals to us our hearts, and where we fall short. We want to hear You speak to us today. Give us eyes to see, and ears to hear. Grant us the understanding we need in order to be changed and live as You so desire. Thank you!
If you get STUCK at any point in your discovery, stop, and pray!
GOD, your Creator, loves you and desires to reveal much to you.
Context
Context Tutorial >
We left off with Mordecai, not a perfect man, but now God’s man, being put in Haman’s position 2nd to the king.
Mordecai wrote another decree to reverse the death sentence of the 1st decree issued by Haman. Now all the Jews, God’s people, could defend themselves on the day that their attackers would come to destroy their families.
Let’s see what happens next.
LOOK
At Verses 15-17
READ Once More
READ Esther 8:15-17 by asking the who, what, where, when, why, and how questions.
Remember reading and re-reading helps us cement God’s Word down deep in our hearts.
Remember to:
Reflect on the events that demonstrate God’s hidden hand.
Let’s Zoom In.
Chew on one verse at a time, and as we do check out:
Word Meanings
Cross References (aka CR) on These Key Points.
Note: Remember to check the context of these passages.
Unfold Verse 15.
What happens?
What Might Be Key?
Mordecai is still Key.
Mordecai went from the presence of the king.
And we might want to consider that Mordecai was decked out in a new wardrobe.
Did you know the color blue (actually here it is violet, purple) is the color for royalty, and/or suffering?
THINK and REASON:
In contrast, how was Mordecai dressed in Chapter 4?
THINK and REASON a bit more:
Mordecai’s life, everything had drastically changed.
LISTEN to the Spirit
How much of my life is spent in the presence of Jesus, the King?
How am I being changed as a result?
Let’s look at this change that is seen in Mordecai’s new wardrobe.
How does the robe, crown, and fine linen parallel to a believer’s new wardrobe?
1. How did Pharoah honor Joseph?
Gen 41:42
2. Do you remember we looked at royal robes back in Est 5:1?
Let’s do a quick review about Royal Robes
Zec 3:4; Isa 64:6; Isa 61:10
LISTEN to the Spirit
Have I exchanged my filthy garments for the Lords’ garments of salvation? Am I now clothed with His robe of righteousness?
3. What do you learn about:
Crowns
2Ti 4:8; Jam 1:12
Linen
Rev 19:8
LISTEN to the Spirit
Will I receive a crown of life and a crown of righteousness, and be clothed in linen?
READ Esther 8:15-16.
What’s Key?
How did the city react?
Why did they react as they did?
Let’s camp here on rejoicing that is Key.
1. Compare the city’s response in verse 15, to when Haman’s decree was issued in Est 3:15.
2. How does Pro 29:2 help us understand the city’s rejoicing?
3. Who are believers to rejoice in?
Psa 32:11; Phil 4:4
Let’s continue on this track.
READ Esther 8:16
1. Why was there light, gladness, joy, and honor for the Jews?
Don’t miss this. Catch the scene you all. Why was there such joy and rejoicing?
2. Why is their light for believers?
Psa 18:28; Joh 8:12
3. Who has gladness and joy? Why? What does gladness and joy replace?
Isa 35:10
Psa 30:11
Act 2:28
Joh 16:20
Gal 5:22
LISTEN to the Spirit
What was looming over me? Why has my darkness turned to light?
Why am I glad and full of deep joy?
Do I rejoice:
– because the LORD came out of the grave and rose from the dead?
– in the LORD, in all that He is and all He has done for me?
– that the LORD rescued and delivered me out of the darkness of sin that hung over me?
– over the LORD’s Word, His grace, forgiveness, righteousness, His Spirit, my new life, and eternal life He so freely gives?
How do I express my profound gladness and joy?
4. Who has honor?
Psa 91:15; Pro 22:4
5. What does the LORD do for those who walk uprightly?
Psa 84:11
LOOK
At Verse 17
READ Esther 8:15-17 again and ask the who, what, where, when, why, and how questions.
Remember to:
Reflect on the events that demonstrate God’s hidden hand.
What’s Key?
Why were the people becoming Jews?
Let’s Check Out Some Cross References to see what God says about: many becoming Jews and the dread of the Jews had fallen on them.
1. Don’t miss the fact that ‘many‘ became Jews.
THINK and REASON
How many people does the LORD want to save?
How many people does the LORD want to become believers in Jesus?
How many people does the LORD want to have eternal life?
2. What did it mean to become a Jew?
Gen 17:9-14
Exo 12:43-49
Exo 20:8-11
Lev 24:13-22
Rut 1:16
Act 13:43
3. What do you discover about the dread of the Jews?
Exo 15:14-16
Psa 105:38
Deut 2:25
Act 5:11
THINK about the power of the LORD that can cause the dread of His people to fall on others.
THINK about what kind of a difference Mordecai was making where God had placed him.
– Without Mordecai people would have experienced deadly wrath.
– Without Jesus, many people will experience a horrible, eternal, deadly wrath!
LISTEN to the Spirit
What kind of difference am I making for the Lord where He has me?
What Did You LEARN 
Check out GODcha’s #6 LIVE Question(s).
#6. How is Mordecai dressed now in contrast to Ch 4, CR? How did the cities and Jews respond? Do you see how one ordinary person can make a difference? (v15-17)
Sum It Up!
We LEARN:
Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal robes of blue and white, a crown of gold, and a garment of fine linen and purple,. . . v15.
We Discover:
– Mordecai had been dressed in sackcloth and ashes, Est 4:3.
– Joseph, sold into slavery explains how Israel came to Egypt. His advice to Pharaoh was good, and Pharoah honored him with the highest authority. He gave Joseph his signet ring and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put the gold necklace around his neck, Gen 41:42.
This is not in GODcha, but I think of how God took a shepherd boy, David, and made him king. And what about Daniel and his 3 friends?
Do you see Joseph and Mordecai rose to political power, Jews, becoming 2nd in command, kind of like the Vice President, under pagan leaders?
Do you see God strategically moves and works to accomplish His perfect plans?
We Discover:
All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away, Isa 64:6.
We too will be given fine linen, bright and clean to clothe ourselves with which are the righteous acts of the saints, Rev 19:8.
We LEARN:
When Mordecai came out, the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced, v15.
We Discover:
In contrast, when Haman’s edict was issued the city of Susa was left in confusion, Est 3:15.
When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, But when a wicked man rules, people groan, Pro 29:2.
We LEARN:
For the Jews, there was light, gladness, joy, and honor, v16.
In each and every province and city, wherever the king’s commandment and his decree arrived, there was gladness and joy for the Jews, a feast and a holiday, v17.
When justice comes there is rejoicing, parties, feasts.
We Discover:
We who have robes of righteousness, are to be glad in the Lord and rejoice; always; shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart, Psa 32:11; Phil 4:4.
The darkness that hung over them was gone. For it is the LORD who gives light, illuminating their darkness, because Jesus is the light of the world, Psa 18:28; Joh 8:12.
The LORD turns our sorrow and weeping, into gladness and joy when we turn to Him, Isa 35:10; Psa 30:5,11.
The fruit of the Spirit who is inside those with robes of righteousness is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, Gal 5:22.
When we call upon the LORD, He will answer and be with us in trouble, rescuing and honoring us, Psa 91:15.
The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor, and life, Pro 22:4.
The LORD does not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly, Psa 84:11
We who have been clothed with the Lord’s robe of righteousness, now rejoice in the Lord, saving us from our enemies of sin and death, conquered forever.
We LEARN:
And many among the peoples of the land became Jews, v17.
We Discover:
To be a Jew:
A servant who is born in your house or who is bought with your money shall surely be circumcised; thus shall My covenant be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant, Gen 17:13.
The sabbath was to be kept holy by those from other nations who visited or lived in Israel. They, along with slaves in Israel, could celebrate the Passover like the native of the land if they were circumcised, Exo 12:43-49; 20:8-11.
The same laws applied to all of them, for the stranger and the native, Lev 24:13-24.
Ruth the Moabitess left her land and went with Naomi when she returned to Bethlehem in Israel. She said, “Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.” She married Boaz, an Israelite, and birthed Obed, the grandfather of King David, Ruth 1:16.
Now when the meeting of the synagogue had broken up, many of the Jews and of the God-fearing proselytes (pagan convert to Judaism) followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, were urging them to continue in the grace of God, Act 13:43.
We Discover:
Moses and the people sang to the LORD after he divided the sea saving Israel from Pharoah, confident that when Philistia, Edom, Moab, and Canaan heard about the power of the Lord terror and dread would fall upon them, Exo 15:14-16.
Egypt was glad when they departed, for the dread of them (Israel) had fallen upon them (Egypt), Psa 105:38.
This day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon the peoples everywhere under the heavens, who, when they hear the report of you, will tremble and be in anguish because of you, Deut 2:25.
After Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit, and both fell dead, great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard of these things, Act 5:11.
We See: the power of the Lord causes the dread of His people to fall upon others.
STOP!
LISTEN to God Speak
And LIVE it out!
Check out GODcha’s #6 LIVE Question(s).
#6. Have I moved from mourning to rejoicing, now dressed in God’s robe of righteousness?
a. If so, how am I making a difference for God’s kingdom?
b. How many people (in school, work, business, and my neighborhood) have I shared The King’s edict (the gospel) with, and they joyfully have become a child of God?
Respond to God. . . LIVE it out!
Now We Don’t Just LISTEN,
But, We Speak to God!
Oh, chat with God, your Creator who loves you! He is waiting, desiring this intimate communication with you.
Okay, One Last Thing to Do
SUMMARIZE
To Wrap Up Chapter 8, GODcha directs us to 
Summarize the Paragraphs, and then the Chapter.
This helps you grasp and process what you have LEARNED, cementing this Chapter down deep into your heart and you will remember it.
Come on try it, you will be so glad you did!
1. Read all of Esther Chapter 8.
To refresh your minds and remember the main topics or what was 
Key.
2. Focus on a Paragraph at a time.
Remember: Paragraphs are designated by boldface numbers or letters in your hardbound Bibles.
3. LOOK for the main topics of each Paragraph.
What was talked about the most?
Hint: Key Words and/or phrases will help with this.
The main topics will help give you an outline, and you will see the flow of the chapter!
Jot the main topic of each Paragraph in the margins of your Bible next to the bolded verses, as well as in your Notes.
When you go through this process, thinking and reasoning God’s Truths, then God is able to seal Truth into your memory!
Try it on your own before you go any further. I will help you after you give it a shot! You can do this! I know you can!
4. Now to Summarize.
Keep the summary to 4-6 Words or less if possible.
Why?
Because it will be easier to remember.
5. DO NOT paraphrase!
Use the Words God uses.
a. Paraphrasing can change the meaning.
b. And, we want to know and bury God’s Word, which has the power, into our heads and hearts.
This Chapter is Not Hard at All.
Try it on your own before you go any further.
I will help you after you give it a shot!
You can do this!
I know you can!
Okay, let’s see how you did.
Let’s Summarize The Paragraphs
v1-2 Mordecai Promoted
v3-6 Esther Begged King Avert Evil Scheme
v7-14 Mordecai’s New Edict
v15-17 Rejoicing/Many Became Jews
How Would You Summarize Chapter 8?
What about:
Mordecai’s Edict
Fantastic, you all!
I am so proud of you, and
I sincerely thank you for staying with us on this journey!
Chapter 8 is a Wrap!
Oh, I pray you have engaged with God in a very special way as you LISTENED to Him speak to you personally.
Meditate on everything God is teaching you. “For the one who meditates on God’s Word is blessed,” (Psalm 1:1-2).
What have you learned about yourself?
Is there some action God is requiring of you?
Do you need to confess and repent?
Put this Review and Summary
in Your Notes
Video Tutorial> Notes Tutorial >
If you will take the time to put this Review in your Notes, you can return to it anytime and anywhere. You will be so glad you did.
If short on time, copy and paste into your Notes.
Let’s Bow Before the Father
FATHER GOD, BLESSED LORD JESUS, and HOLY SPIRIT – GOD in three persons, we praise You! Oh, as we finish up this Chapter of Esther, that You have safeguarded down through the ages. Father, I would first pray for any and all who are not yours, oh Father that they would become your people as in the days of Esther.
We do so rejoice in who You are and what You have done for us, for all the world. I so pray all who are on this journey have moved from mourning to rejoicing. That we would have a deep deep joy within because You removed the darkness that hung over us, illuminating our lives sweet Jesus, because You are the Light. Oh, we are most grateful that You exchanged our filthy garments for Your garments of salvation and robes of righteousness. May we understand when You died on the Cross, You exchanged Your righteousness for our sin and Your death for life. Thank you that one day we will be given crowns of life and righteousness, and be given linen, bright and clean, to clothe ourselves with.
Oh, may we truly understand how one person can make such an incredible difference for You and Your kingdom. As we look at how You drastically changed Mordecai’s life in a day, may we consider how our lives have been drastically changed, and how You are changing our lives daily. Help us to make a difference for You and Your kingdom. May many in our lives, in this pagan world, look at our lives and desire You. And may we all be able to give the reason for our hope, so others would joyfully become one of Your children. In Your name sweet Jesus, we pray and ask these things. Amen.
You did awesome!
See you in a few days to begin LOOKING @ Esther Chapter 9.
Need the GODcha Bible Guide? Go to http://www.GODcha.org and subscribe.